The poppyblood killer

Chapter 15

I can't believe my eyes.

- James. I thought you would've been long gone by now, I say.

- Ah yes, I had already boarded the ship, ready to leave England for good and start my new life. But I realized something, that new life means nothing without you in it, Moriarty says. My heart leaps.

- I don't know what you've done to me, Kira. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I realized I couldn't abandon you, Moriarty says.

- He came back for us. For me, I say in my head.

- Now, let's postpone this conversation until we've dealt with the pressing matters at hand, shall we, Moriarty asks.

- You, Sebastian says. Sebastian's glares at Moriarty.

- If you think I'll allow a criminal like you near Kira, you're sorely mistaken, Sebastian says.

- Surely, that decision rests with her, don't you think, Moriarty asks. Without waiting for an answer, he lunges at Sebastian. A knife is in his hand so fast, that I barely even notice the switch. Sebastian counters his attack.

- You may be formidable, Professor Moriarty, but you are only one man, Sebastian says.

- It's unwise to lose sight of your adversaries, Lord Starwind, Sherlock says. Sherlock is on his feet again and rushes forward to assist Moriarty. On the other side of the room, John awakes as well.

- Kira, did you find Miss Clare, John asks.

- Yes, but she's in a locked cell in the back of the basement, I say.

- Shouldn't be too hard to pick the lock and get her out of here, John says.

- Great. Please go free her, I say.

As John hurries toward the cell, I keep my eyes on the fight. Despite Sebastian's skill, he struggles against his two opponents. Nevertheless, Sherlock is still somewhat unsteady from the poison gas. Sebastian feints and slips behind him, raising his knife.

- Sherlock, look out, I yell. Moriarty pushes him out of the way just as I run forward. I grab Sebastian from behind.

- No. I'm doing this for you, Kira, Sebastian shouts. He attempts to throw me off, but I hold firm. With the three of us, it takes mere seconds to subdue Sebastian.

While Sherlock disarms him, John returns with Clare, who leans on him for support.

- No. This cannot be. All my plans, all my dreams, Sebastian says.

- Never thought I'd see the day when you'd play the hero, Moriarty, John says. Moriarty chuckles and offers a slight bow.

- Predictability is dreadfully dull. Besides, Moriarty says. He looks at me.

- My betrayal hurt someone dear to me, and I'd do anything to make it up to her, Moriarty says.

- This case certainly had its twists and turns, but the victim is safe, and the mystery is solved. Kira, are you satisfied, Sherlock asks.

- Yes. Thank you all so much, I say.

- All in a day's work for a detective, Sherlock says.

- We'll always be here to support you, Kira, no matter what, John says.

- None of you deserve her. None of you understand her as I do, Sebastian shouts.

- I believe we've heard quite enough from you, Moriarty says.

- Yes, it's time to escort this man to Scotland Yard and conclude this case, Sherlock says. I exhale slowly as I watch them.

- It's finally over. Clare is safe, and the Poppyblood Killer has been apprehended, I say in my head. A strange feeling wells up in me.